Brinzoaice (from dough for sweet bread)
Delicious Brinzoaice: Step-by-Step Recipe
When it comes to dishes that bring a touch of nostalgia to the soul, brinzoaice are certainly among the most beloved. These fluffy delights, filled with fine cream cheese, are perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a festive meal. This versatile dough is not just for brinzoaice, but can also be used for cozonaci, giving you the opportunity to create a variety of treats. Let's discover together how to prepare them!
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 20 brinzoaice
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg high-quality flour
- 125 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 50 g melted and cooled butter or Rama margarine
- 750 ml milk
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum)
- 1-2 eggs
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 beaten egg for brushing on top
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the yeast. Warm the milk until it becomes lukewarm, then pour it over the yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to bubble.
2. Kneading the dough:
Add the eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon. Once the dough starts to form, knead it with your hands for 30-40 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. This is your moment to showcase your kneading skills!
3. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.
4. Re-kneading:
After it has risen, place the dough on the work surface and knead it again for 2-3 minutes. Let it rest, covered, for another 15 minutes.
5. Shaping the brinzoaice:
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2 cm. Cut it into squares of about 12 cm on each side (or larger, as preferred).
6. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, vanilla sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and raisins. Ensure that the filling is well blended.
7. Filling the brinzoaice:
Using a spoon, place a portion of the filling in the center of each square of dough. Bring the four corners of the dough towards the center, forming a small pouch. Make sure the filling is well covered.
8. Final rising:
Place the brinzoaice on a baking tray greased with a little oil or margarine. Brushing the brinzoaice with beaten egg will give them a golden and appetizing crust. Let them rise for 15-20 minutes.
9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the brinzoaice for 25-30 minutes, until they become golden and fluffy.
10. Serving:
Let the brinzoaice cool slightly before enjoying them. They can be served plain or alongside a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee.
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate yeast activity.
- If you want a more intense flavor, try adding a bit of vanilla to the cheese filling.
- You can experiment with various fillings, using sheep cheese or adding chocolate or dried fruits.
- If you have patience, let the brinzoaice rise longer for a fluffier dough.
Nutritional information:
A brinzoaică (approximately 100 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the raisins add extra fiber and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of milk since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
- What can I do with leftover dough? The dough can be used to make cozonaci or other treats. You can create rolls or pies filled with meat or vegetables.
Delicious pairings:
Brinzoaice pair perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or a creamy cappuccino. You can also try serving them with a fruit sauce for a delicious contrast.
These brinzoaice are not just a recipe, but a story of taste and tradition that can bring joy to every moment spent with loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 1 kg of high-quality flour, 125 g of sugar, 2 eggs, 50 g of melted and cooled butter/margarine, 750 ml of milk, 1 cube of yeast. Filling: 500 g of cow cheese, 100 g of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 100 g of raisins soaked in rum, 1-2 eggs, grated zest of one lemon, 1 beaten egg for brushing on top.
